The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that in 2017, 46.6 million American adults were affected by mental illness. Thus, in that year, about 1 in 5 adults in the United States experienced the impact of mental illness, while about 1 in 22, or roughly 11 million, American adults lived with a serious mental health condition. Furthermore, 8.5 million people suffered from co-occurring mental health conditions and addiction disorders. Undoubtedly, the effects of mental illness are widespread.

Such conditions also have devastating consequences, as suicide is increasing in incidence and is currently the 10th leading cause of death. Over 90% of childhood suicides are linked to mental illness. Veterans also have a suicide rate that is twice as high as that of those who do not serve in the military, and 18 to 22 veterans die each day by suicide.